The Deputy Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) says they are not backing down on their decision to demonstrate against implementation of the 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity.

Joshua Ansah emphasised that the Union will not reconsider or change its decision until government completely withdraws the VAT letter.

Speaking to JoyNews on Friday, Mr Ansah stressed that government had the opportunity to engage stakeholders regarding the implementation of the VAT on electricity, but they refused.

"They did not do that because they think that anytime they pass something, it goes through, and workers are quiet. This time around, we're not going to be quiet.

"We're going to be citizens and not spectators. We're going to ensure that workers' rights are respected. You cannot give us 22 or 23 per cent and take 15 per cent with the left hand," he said.

The TUC Deputy Secretary-General clarified that it is unfair for the government to implement such a tax, stating they will not accept it.

Also read: TUC, 35 other unions to demonstrate on February 13 over electricity tax

He admonished all workers to join in the nationwide demonstration to express their displeasure with the government.

"It's a national duty, and we want everybody to join because it is for all of us," he said.

Mr Ansah noted that the demonstration will take place across the 16 regions of the country and urged the government not to take their decision lightly.

"A committee has already been formed; we have finished our job and things are rolling. We're rolling out our actions, so the government should not take us for a joke.

"We're very serious. From Monday [February 5], we are going to put on our red band, and on Tuesday, the 13th of February, action if the government has not withdrawn the directive," he stressed.